Arriva London fully supports the new Tube-style colour approach to simplify the London bus network

Making the capital’s buses as simple to use as the London Underground is a new initiative being trialled on seven London bus routes, including Arriva London routes 150 and 128.

Individual routes have been given their own distinct colour and links to other TfL services have been clearly identified in a new approach that will give passengers travel information in a similar way to the Tube.

Route details on the side of the bus

The buses and stop signs have been marked in their identifiable colours and the main destinations and interchanges are also listed on the side of the buses. This simplifies use of the bus network in local areas so that passengers can tell, at a glance, where the bus is going.

A trial of this innovative approach has begun in east London where more than 60 red buses are being given their own splash of colour to mark seven different routes. The changes aim to simplify journeys for passengers travelling in Barkingside and across the area.

Arriva London routes 150 and 128, which operate from our Barking garage, are part of the scheme, and to assist the drivers in understanding the changes we have appointed Richard Pincombe, a driver at Barking garage, to champion the trial and raise awareness amongst his colleagues.

Barking driver Richard with the new style 128

Richard says:

"It’s early days, but the passenger feedback is already very positive, they say they’re finding it very helpful."

"We’re constantly looking for new and innovative ways to improve our customers’ journeys. We’ve redesigned the look of Barkingside’s buses and the information we provide to customers. We believe this will make bus travel simpler and will encourage more Londoners and visitors to use buses – the Capital’s most expansive and accessible public transport service, which also offers excellent value for money."

If you’re planning a wedding, a special birthday celebration or a fantastic day out with a group of friends, why not treat yourselves this summer and let us help you with your transport and celebrations solutions, using our Heritage Fleet Routemaster buses available for private hire.

Catch the Bus Week is a nationwide campaign - spearheaded by Greener Journeys - aimed at raising awareness of the vast economic, environmental and social benefits of taking the bus as well as encouraging everyone to give bus travel a try.